Sir Edward Pellew
famous to modern maritime fans by his appearing in the Hornblower
novels and TV series, Sir Edward Pellew was a real-life
naval hero who was one of the great British commanders of
the Revolutionary and Napoleonic Eras.
joined the Royal Navy at 13 and quickly showed promise during
the American War of Independence, earning promotions through
his bravery and leadership.
1793, he was captain of the Nymphe and during the early
stages of the Revolutionary Wars seized the first French
frigate of the struggle. He was knighted after his capture
of the Cleopatre.
of his most courageous exploit came in 1796 and was not
a naval action, but a rescue mission. It came near Plymouth
when Pellew and his men bravely risked themselves to save
the crew and passengers of the Dutton, a transport that
had run aground in a fierce storm. In recognition for his
herosim he was rewarded with a baronetcy.
next command was the frigate Indefatigeable and against
the French ship of the line Droits de l'Homme he showed
his skills as a fighting captain. in 1797 Pellew's 44-gunner
took on the much larger 74-gun warship and destroyed it.
success and personal style made him a popular commander
and in 1802 he became an MP.
years later he was made a rear-admiral and while naval chief
in the East Indies he destroyed Dutch naval power in the
1808 he was closer to home and in charge of first the North
Sea, then Mediterranean fleets and was promoted to admiral
final campaign included the famous
attack on Algiers after its ruler refused to free Christians
held as slaves in his lands.